<p>Think about sipping a sugar-free drink that still tastes sweet. Many of us have puzzled over this illusion. Now scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveal how our brains transform smell into taste.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em>Nature Communications</em>, shows that the brain encodes certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-dna-may-explain-why-you-love-or-hate-certain-smells/">aromas</a> as if they were flavors themselves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-flavor-and-smell-form">How flavor and smell form</h2>



<p>Flavor is more than taste. It comes from a combination of gustatory signals and retronasal odors, those aromas drifting from the mouth to the nose. </p>



<p>The insula, known as the taste cortex, was found to integrate these signals earlier than expected. This means the brain does not wait for higher regions to combine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-your-brain-decides-what-smells-good-or-bad/">taste</a> and smell but merges them immediately into one experience.</p>



<p>Study lead author Putu Agus Khorisantono is a researcher in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a>. </p>



<p>“We saw that the taste cortex reacts to taste-associated aromas as if they were real tastes,” explained Khorisantono. "The finding provides a possible explanation for why we sometimes experience taste from smell alone, for example in flavored waters." </p>



<p>"This underscores how strongly odors and tastes work together to make food pleasurable, potentially inducing craving and encouraging overeating of certain foods.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-links-flavor-and-smell">How the brain links flavor and smell</h2>



<p>The researchers tested 25 adults. First, participants learned to identify sweet and savory flavors through combinations of taste and smell. </p>



<p>Later, inside a scanner, they received either tasteless odors or odorless tastes. Algorithms trained on brain responses to actual tastes were then tested on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radio-waves-can-boost-our-sense-of-smell-without-contact/">odors</a> alone. The surprising outcome was that odours mimicked the brain’s taste responses.</p>



<p>The study revealed that sweet or savory odors activated the same neural patterns as the corresponding tastes.</p>



<p>This overlap was strongest in the ventral anterior insula, a region connected to olfactory areas. Importantly, the researchers ruled out simple pleasure ratings as the cause. Instead, the brain genuinely encoded odors in a way that matched taste perception.</p>



<p>“This shows that the brain does not process taste and smell separately, but rather creates a joint representation of the flavor experience in the taste cortex,” said senior researcher Janina Seubert. </p>



<p>“This mechanism may be relevant for how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-and-different-odors-can-influence-how-we-see-colors/">taste</a> preferences and eating habits are formed and influenced.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-flavor-and-smell-matter">Why flavor and smell matter</h2>



<p>The findings highlight the insula as a hub for flavor integration. They also reveal that taste representations can drift over time. Neural patterns of taste identity were less stable across days, echoing results seen in rodent studies. </p>



<p>This suggests that our flavor experiences are dynamic, adapting with exposure, context, and internal states such as hunger, mood, or attention. </p>



<p>A flavor that feels vivid and distinct one day may blur or even shift the next, depending on what the brain has recently learned or anticipated.</p>



<p>This fluid quality points to a system designed not for rigid coding but for flexibility, helping us adjust to changing diets, environments, and cultural influences on taste.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flavor-identity-and-reward-value">Flavor identity and reward value</h2>



<p>The study also observed cross-modal decoding in other regions, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, which is known to encode the value of food. </p>



<p>The researchers propose that the insula forms a shared flavor identity, while the orbitofrontal cortex evaluates its reward value. This dual process could explain why certain odors make foods irresistible and shape long-term eating habits.</p>



<p>The team now wants to test external smells, or orthonasal odors. These are the scents we encounter before eating, like walking past bread or pastries.</p>



<p>“We want to find out whether the activation pattern in the brain’s taste cortex changes from salty to sweet when we walk from the cheese aisle to the pastries in the supermarket,” said Khorisantono. “If so, this could have a significant impact on the foods we choose to consume.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-flavor-and-smell-affect-health">How flavor and smell affect health</h2>



<p>This research reframes flavor as a deeply integrated brain process. Smell and taste are not separate streams but overlapping codes that can trick the brain into tasting without tasting.</p>



<p>Beyond solving everyday mysteries like sweet-tasting flavored water, the work raises questions about cravings, overeating, and how our diets are shaped by environments filled with powerful aromas. </p>



<p>The research also suggests that everyday exposure to food-related smells in supermarkets, restaurants, offices, and even advertising spaces may influence us more than we realize.</p>



<p>These aromas may prime the brain to expect certain tastes, creating a loop where scent alone can nudge us toward food choices we might not otherwise make. </p>



<p>Over time, this subtle influence could shape eating habits, nutritional patterns, and even health outcomes, revealing how deeply our sensory world directs behavior long before conscious decisions take place.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63803-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.</em></p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

How smell tricks the brain into tasting flavors

Think about sipping a sugar-free drink that still tastes sweet. Many of us have puzzled over this illusion. Now scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveal how our brains transform smell into taste. The research, published in Nature Communications, shows that the brain encodes certain aromas as if they were flavors themselves. How flavor and smell form Flavor is more than taste. It comes from a combination of gustatory signals and retronasal odors, those aromas drifting from the mouth to the nose. The insula, known as the...

<p>Marine microplastic pollution is often illustrated by images of wildlife trapped in plastic debris on beaches, highlighting the urgent need for action. However, this widespread pollution goes far beyond what we can see.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-microplastic-sinks">Hidden microplastic sinks</h2>



<p>Each year, up to 12.7 million tons of plastic enter the ocean through rivers, fishing, aquaculture, and shipping, posing serious threats to marine ecosystems and human health.</p>



<p>While the amount of floating plastic is much lower than expected, it indicates the presence of unseen sinks where microplastics accumulate.</p>



<p>Recent research has identified one such sink in the North Sea. In 2022, Dr. Danja Hoehn and colleagues at the <a href="https://www.cefas.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science</a> collected microplastic data using a specialized Neuston Microplastic Catamaran.</p>



<p>This floating catamaran, equipped with a mechanical flowmeter and mesh, captured plastics at the ocean’s surface, where microplastics first enter from terrestrial runoff or ship-based sources before sinking to the seabed. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-crisis-in-coastal-waters">Microplastic crisis in coastal waters </h2>



<p>The research is shedding new light on the severity of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-making-the-ocean-more-acidic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a> in coastal waters.</p>



<p>The data revealed alarming levels of microplastic pollution in coastal areas of the North Sea, particularly in the Southern Bight, where concentrations exceeded 25,000 microplastic items per square kilometer. This region recorded some of the highest levels compared to other nearby areas.</p>



<p>On average, the waters of the Southern Bight contained around 8,700 microplastic items per square kilometer, which is significantly higher than nearby offshore areas. </p>



<p>Off the Scottish coast, microplastic concentrations averaged 4,500 items per square kilometer, while the northeast Atlantic had an average of 3,200 items per square kilometer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-microplastic-particles">Identifying the microplastic particles</h2>



<p>Most of these microplastics were fragments of everyday materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. </p>



<p>Polyethylene, accounting for 67% of the microplastics found, is commonly used in items such as shopping bags and water bottles. </p>



<p>Polypropylene, at 16%, is used in packaging and textiles, while polystyrene, making up 8%, is found in packaging and disposable medical devices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-presence-of-large-plastic-debris">Presence of large plastic debris </h2>



<p>While the researchers were focused on microplastics, they also uncovered the presence of larger plastic debris. Mesoplastics, measuring 5 to 25 millimeters, and macroplastics, over 25 millimeters, were present but in lower concentrations. </p>



<p>These larger plastics are often fragments of broken-down materials, including microbeads and plastic film. </p>



<p>Despite a UK ban on microbeads in cosmetics since 2018, their presence in the North Sea suggests they are still being transported by ocean currents from other regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution">Hotspots of microplastic pollution </h2>



<p>Hotspots of microplastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-antarctica-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> were identified near the coast of East Anglia, where concentrations were at their highest.</p>



<p>Despite variations in plastic levels across the study area, the widespread presence of microplastics highlights the ongoing threat they pose to marine ecosystems. The particles can harm marine life through ingestion and entanglement, disrupting entire food webs. </p>



<p>Currents play a major role in carrying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic debris</a> into these accumulation zones, with plastics from various countries adding to the problem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, while the concentrations in the UK's waters are concerning, they are still lower than those recorded in other parts of the world.</p>



<p>For example, areas off the coast of northwest Spain have been found to contain around 254,000 plastic items per square kilometer, while west Portugal has seen levels around 40,000 items per square kilometer. The Canary Islands recorded a staggering one million items per square kilometer in 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-action-on-plastic-pollution">Global action on plastic pollution</h2>



<p>Efforts to address this growing issue are underway at both national and international levels. The UK's Marine Strategy includes plans to develop a microplastics indicator to monitor levels in marine sediments. </p>



<p>The North-East Atlantic Environmental Strategy also focuses on reducing marine litter in the region. On a broader scale, the United Nations Environmental Agency is working toward a legally binding agreement to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-world-may-put-an-end-to-plastic-pollution-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end plastic pollution by 2040</a>.</p>



<p>With the global demand for plastic products now exceeding 400 million tons per year, understanding where plastic ends up in our oceans is crucial.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research brings us one step closer to uncovering the hidden plastic sinks in our oceans, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect marine life and preserve ocean ecosystems for future generations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-threat-to-marine-life">Microplastic threat to marine life</h2>



<p>The presence of microplastics in the North Sea not only poses a direct threat to marine life but also disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As these tiny particles accumulate, they can interfere with the reproductive and feeding behaviors of various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine species</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, filter feeders may ingest microplastics along with their food, leading to harmful health effects and potentially affecting population dynamics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, the presence of microplastics can alter habitat conditions, making it difficult for some species to thrive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding these impacts is essential for effective conservation efforts and for safeguarding the health of the ocean environment.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1430307/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Hotspots of microplastic pollution found in the North Sea

Marine microplastic pollution is often illustrated by images of wildlife...

<p>Have you ever wondered what happens after a sea turtle egg hatches underground? You're not alone. For decades, scientists have been speculating about how sea turtle hatchlings reach the surface of the sand.</p>



<p>A team of researchers led by Davey Dor, a PhD scholar at the <a href="https://www.southwales.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New South Wales</a>, used tiny recording devices to study the movements of hatchlings as they emerge from their nests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-sea-turtle-hatchlings">Secrets of sea turtle hatchlings</h2>



<p>Surprisingly, the team discovered that the hatchlings swim to the surface rather than dig, contrary to previous beliefs. </p>



<p>Imagine being in a tight, dark space with no signs to direct you, yet you know where to go. That's the life of a hatchling in the first few days after hatching.</p>



<p>Picture this: newborn <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-sea-turtle-day-celebrating-100-million-years-of-majesty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a> wriggling energetically across the sand towards the ocean. But what occurs before that? This has been a tough nut to crack for scientists since this critical stage was first observed about 64 years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-backpacks-for-the-turtle-hatchlings">Tiny backpacks for the turtle hatchlings</h2>



<p>The team used miniature accelerometer backpacks, which measure changes in speed or direction, to get a never-before-seen view into the first few days of the hatchlings' life.</p>



<p>After deploying these devices, the team waited eagerly, peeping into the nest every three hours. When the hatchlings finally emerged, they were quickly relieved of their backpacks. </p>



<p>Analysis of the data showed that the hatchlings moved in an unexpected way, pushing forward and backward, as if swimming in the dark.</p>



<p>"After locating the nests, we waited for approximately 60 days for the eggs to develop,” said Dor. </p>



<p>“Three days before they hatched, we put a device called a hatch detector next to 10 different nests. This unique instrument measures voltage at the nest site and lets us know when the hatchlings had hatched out of their eggs.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-sea-turtle-conservation">Implications for sea turtle conservation</h2>



<p>This newly uncovered behavior could have significant implications for sea turtle relocation. Changes in nest characteristics could unknowingly hamper hatchling success, highlighting the importance of understanding their behavior in the most formative days.</p>



<p>The discovery of this swimming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-turtle-day-protecting-turtles-tortoises-and-their-vanishing-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> by hatchlings raises pertinent questions about their survival tactics and how they interact with altered environments - a paramount concern in conservation biology.</p>



<p>As climate change evokes substantial effects on nesting beaches, understanding the innate abilities of these young turtles to adapt could prove critical. </p>



<p>Scientists must now explore whether these swimming movements are a universal trait among different turtle species and if they can adjust to the shifting sands and temperatures induced by global climate patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-sea-turtle-hatchlings">Future research on sea turtle hatchlings</h2>



<p>This recent work by Dor and his team paves the way for new research methodologies in marine biology. </p>



<p>By employing innovative technologies like accelerometer backpacks, researchers can delve deeper into the clandestine world beneath the sand.</p>



<p>As this technology evolves, it holds the promise of unlocking further mysteries of other subterranean life forms, providing invaluable insights that could transform our understanding of life beneath the Earth's surface.</p>



<p>This intersection of technology and natural science marks a promising frontier, inviting scholars and conservationists alike to rethink strategies for preserving marine biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-and-public-engagement">Collaboration and public engagement </h2>



<p>The future of this research hinges on collaboration across multiple scientific disciplines to explore the lives of sea turtle hatchlings. Biologists, engineers, and computer scientists must work in unison to refine and expand the use of cutting-edge technologies like the accelerometer backpacks.</p>



<p>Such interdisciplinary approaches can enhance our understanding of marine life and promote innovations in real-time data collection in natural habitats.</p>



<p>Public engagement plays a crucial role in the success of conservation efforts. Through fascinating studies, scientists can inspire a wider audience to become passionate about marine conservation.</p>



<p>Educational programs, interactive exhibitions, and social media campaigns are powerful tools to enlighten and enlist public support for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leatherback-sea-turtles-where-the-worlds-largest-turtles-go-to-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtle conservation</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-sea-turtle-hatchlings">What's next for sea turtle hatchlings?</h2>



<p>Impressed with the effectiveness of these accelerometers, Dor and his team plan to deploy more of them in the future. The goal is to answer even more intriguing questions about these hatchlings and their survival.</p>



<p>“There are lots of factors that we don't really understand because we haven't been able to observe this stage of their lives, but we hope this will change as a result of this new method, particularly in answering questions about best conservation practices,” concluded Dor.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1702" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings B</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Tiny 'backpacks' record the movements of sea turtle hatchlings

Have you ever wondered what happens after a sea turtle...

<p>A global team of scientists, led by researchers from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has launched an ambitious project aimed at illuminating the planet’s plant diversity “darkspots."</p>



<p>These are regions that are rich in biodiversity, but where geographic and taxonomic data remain incomplete, leaving scientists with limited understanding of the plant diversity that exists within them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-diversity-darkspots-around-the-world">Plant diversity darkspots around the world<br></h2>



<p>The experts identified 33 such darkspots around the globe, with 14 (or 44%) of these located in tropical Asia.</p>



<p>According to the State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2023 report, 75% of the world’s yet-to-be-described plant species already facing the threat of extinction.<br></p>



<p>This new research offers a valuable tool for identifying where to prioritize plant collection and conservation efforts in this critical decade for halting biodiversity loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unnamed and unmapped plant species</h2>



<p>The research team focused on predicting the number of plant species that remain unnamed and unmapped in various “botanical countries” - regions or countries that are used as reference units for botanical research.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts then compared the locations of these darkspots with the 36 globally recognized “biodiversity hotspots,” which are areas of rich and unique flora that are also under threat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, the study considered how socio-political and environmental factors could influence botanical expeditions and guide future efforts to fill the gaps in taxonomic knowledge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Documentation of global plant diversity</h2>



<p>“Resources to undertake new botanical expeditions or to digitize existing collections are limited, so prioritizing collecting efforts is vital,” said co-author Samuel Pironon, a lecturer in conservation biology at <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a> and an honorary research associate at RBG Kew. </p>



<p>“Our study provides a flexible framework to help accelerate the documentation of global plant diversity to inform conservation actions. Knowing where there are most species remaining unnamed and unmapped, of which many are likely to be threatened, is necessary for us to meet the <a href="https://www.cbd.int/gbf/targets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2030 targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Global distribution of plant diversity darkspots</h2>



<p>The research revealed the existence of 33 darkspots worldwide. Of these, 14 were found in tropical Asia, eight in South America, eight in the Asia-Temperate region, two in Africa, and one in North America.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Globally, the areas with the greatest combined data shortfalls were Colombia, New Guinea, and South-Central China, in decreasing order. On a continental scale,&nbsp;</p>



<p>New Caledonia had the greatest shortfall for the Pacific region, Western Australia for Australasia, New Guinea for tropical Asia, China South-Central for temperate Asia, Madagascar for Africa, Albania for Europe, Southwest Mexico for North America, and Colombia for South America.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crucial areas for collection efforts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>When factoring in different environmental and socio-economic scenarios, six botanical countries consistently emerged as priority areas for targeted collection efforts: Colombia, Myanmar, New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, and Turkey.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These regions were flagged as crucial zones for scientific research and plant collection to uncover the extent of their biodiversity and better inform conservation strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unexpected biodiversity hotspot in New Guinea&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One surprising finding was that New Guinea was the only darkspot identified that did not overlap with one of the world’s recognized biodiversity hotspots.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the researchers noted that New Guinea’s exceptional biodiversity is likely to become even more apparent as the gaps in knowledge are filled.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Nevertheless, the region is already facing significant threats from species overexploitation and the expansion of agricultural land, which could endanger its biodiversity before it is fully understood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Global efforts to maintain plant diversity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study lead author Ian Ondo is a senior data analyst at RBG Kew and program officer at the <a href="https://www.unep-wcmc.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Center</a> (UNEP-WCMC).</p>



<p>“Recognizing and accounting for plant diversity darkspots is essential to achieving comprehensive conservation priorities. It ensures that critical areas are inclusive of underrepresented biodiversity and receive attention and protection, ultimately enhancing global efforts to maintain biodiversity,” said Ondo.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The role of Indigenous communities</h2>



<p>Kiran Dhanjal-Adams, a future leader fellow at RBG Kew, highlighted another key aspect of the study: the role of Indigenous and local communities in understanding plant diversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Many species that are not yet described by science are, in fact, well known by Indigenous and local communities,” she explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework emphasizes the importance of including Indigenous and local communities in conservation efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Strengthening partnerships with these communities could not only lead to the discovery of new species but also help raise conservation interest and funds that directly support these communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five key commitments&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study aligns with the broader goals of a global call to action, formalized in the “<a href="https://www.kew.org/science/state-of-the-worlds-plants-and-fungi/2030-declaration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2030 Declaration on Scientific Plant and Fungal Collecting</a>,” which was co-led by RBG Kew and the <a href="https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Missouri Botanical Garden</a>. </p>



<p>Arising from discussions held at Kew’s 2023 State of the World’s Plants &amp; Fungi Symposium, the declaration outlines five key commitments aimed at closing the gaps in knowledge about plant and fungal diversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These commitments include adopting evidence-based collection strategies, strengthening local research capacities, fostering collaboration across disciplines, collecting specimens with future research in mind, and sharing the benefits of these collections.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coordinating scientific collection efforts</h2>



<p>Biological specimens collected from the wild remain a fundamental component of natural sciences. Researchers continue to collect and preserve samples to support conservation actions, advance scientific research, and uncover potential benefits such as new medicines or fuels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The process of collecting these specimens is governed by strict regulations, including national and international laws regarding access and benefit sharing. </p>



<p>Yet there is still much to learn - particularly about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>, with over 90% of the estimated 2.5 million fungal species remaining undescribed by science.</p>



<p>The 2030 Declaration, co-authored by contributors from 22 countries and signed by over 800 individuals and organizations from 85 nations, represents a major step forward in coordinating scientific collection efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The declaration will remain open for additional signatories until the end of this year. By encouraging conversations at international, regional, national, and local levels during botanical and mycological congresses, RBG Kew hopes to foster more decentralized and complementary efforts to fill the knowledge gaps that still exist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Protecting Earth’s diverse ecosystems</h2>



<p>Senior author Alexandre Antonelli, the director of science at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew emphasized the importance of these coordinated efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As we head to CBD COP16 in Colombia, governments will be under scrutiny to determine what progress has been achieved towards the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 targets, what challenges remain, and how they can be overcome.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Comprehensive data on plants and fungi are an integral part of the solution, and filling knowledge gaps in darkspots represents a cost-effective way forward. If countries come together and implement these declaration commitments, we will be better able to address the grand challenges of biodiversity loss, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, and food security.”</p>



<p>This study and the ongoing efforts to map the world’s plant diversity darkspots mark a significant step toward understanding and protecting Earth’s rich and diverse ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By prioritizing efforts in these crucial regions, the global scientific community aims to safeguard biodiversity for future generations, while also supporting the well-being of local and Indigenous communities who depend on these ecosystems for their survival.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.20024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>New Phytologist</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Plant diversity 'darkspots' need urgent attention

A global team of scientists, led by researchers from the...

<p>World Farm Animals Day, observed each year on October 2, is a global initiative to raise awareness about the plight of farm animals and promote compassionate treatment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Established in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, a champion of nonviolence and animal rights, World Farm Animals Day focuses on the billions of animals raised for food under often inhumane conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” said Gandhi.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-world-farm-animals-day-nbsp">Significance of World Farm Animals Day&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Today is a time to reflect on the impact of factory farming on animals and the environment, and to pursue positive changes in our approach to food production.</p>



<p>Animal rights organizations and individuals come together to call for ethical farming practices and better laws to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-can-now-decipher-the-emotional-states-of-chickens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There are growing movements advocating for better welfare standards and plant-based alternatives, reflecting concerns over how farm animals are treated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatment-of-farm-animals">Treatment of farm animals</h2>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food and Agriculture Organization</a>, an estimated 92.2 billion land animals are slaughtered in the global food system each year. This figure includes chickens, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and other livestock. </p>



<p>The treatment of farm animals varies widely depending on the farming practices and regulations in place. While some farms follow humane practices, others are criticized for mistreatment.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factory-farming">Factory farming</h3>



<p>Many large-scale industrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intensive-farming-raises-pandemic-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farms</a> (factory farms) are known for poor animal welfare. Animals are kept in confined spaces, like cages or crowded pens, with little room to move. This can cause stress, injury, and disease.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-enrichment">Lack of enrichment</h3>



<p>Animals like pigs, chickens, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-want-to-talk-to-their-cows-so-ai-is-helping-them-interpret-moos-and-burps/">cows</a> may not have access to natural behaviors such as rooting, pecking, or grazing, which can lead to frustration and poor mental health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-mutilations-nbsp">Physical mutilations&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Practices like debeaking in chickens or tail docking in pigs and cows are often done to prevent injuries from aggressive behaviors that stem from overcrowding. These procedures can be painful and are sometimes performed without pain relief.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transportation-and-slaughter-nbsp">Transportation and slaughter&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Animals are often subjected to long, stressful transportation times to slaughterhouses.</p>



<p>Conditions in slaughterhouses are sometimes inhumane, with animals being killed in excruciating ways, though regulations aim to minimize suffering.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-welfare-standards-nbsp">Higher welfare standards&nbsp;</h3>



<p>There are some farms that adopt higher welfare standards. In pasture-based systems, animals are allowed to roam freely and exhibit natural behaviors.</p>



<p>Organic or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/free-ranging-dairy-cows-have-a-much-healthier-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free-range</a> farms also have stricter animal welfare standards. When it comes to slaughter, some farms and facilities follow protocols designed to reduce stress and pain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-farm-animals-important">Why are farm animals important?</h2>



<p>Farm animals provide essential resources such as food, fiber, and labor, making huge contributions to societies worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In terms of food, animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep provide meat, milk, eggs, and other products, serving as primary sources of protein and nutrition for many communities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their by-products, such as leather, wool, and manure, contribute to industries ranging from fashion to agriculture, where manure is a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil.</p>



<p>Farm animals have also played an important role in agricultural labor. For centuries, animals like oxen, horses, and donkeys were used for plowing fields, transportation, and other heavy tasks, allowing humans to farm more efficiently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalities-and-emotional-intelligence-nbsp">Personalities and emotional intelligence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Farm animals possess incredible personalities and behaviors. Chickens, for example, can recognize up to 100 different faces, while pigs are known for their intelligence and emotional depth, often being compared to dogs in terms of their social and problem-solving abilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sheep have impressive flocking instincts and can remember human faces for years. Cows exhibit strong maternal bonds and social hierarchies within their herds.</p>



<p>These animals also display emotions like affection, fear, and contentment, which make them deserving of compassionate treatment.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-greater-role-of-farm-animals">The greater role of farm animals</h2>



<p>Farm animals are integral to the ecosystems in which they live. Through practices like grazing, they can help maintain landscapes, promote soil health, and contribute to biodiversity when managed responsibly.</p>



<p>Culturally, farm animals hold significance in various traditions, religious practices, and community life. In many societies, certain animals symbolize wealth, prosperity, or spiritual beliefs.</p>



<p>Ultimately, farm animals are essential not just for what they provide, but also for the balance they help maintain in sustainable farming and cultural traditions. Their importance extends far beyond food, impacting environmental health, economies, and human history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-showing-compassion-on-world-farm-animals-day">Showing compassion on World Farm Animals Day</h2>



<p>Today, we recognize the importance of showing compassion toward farm animals and raising awareness about their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-welfare-concerns-more-people-than-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">welfare</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>World Farm Animals Day serves as a reminder to rethink how we treat animals in the food production system and to support efforts that promote their well-being.</p>



<p>Here are some ways you can show compassion for farm animals:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choose-plant-based-meals-nbsp">Choose plant-based meals&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Opting for plant-based alternatives or reducing meat consumption can lower the demand for intensive farming practices that often harm animals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support-humane-farming-practices">Support humane farming practices</h3>



<p>Buy products from farms that prioritize animal welfare, including free-range, pasture-raised, and certified humane labels. This helps promote better living conditions for animals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volunteer-at-animal-sanctuaries">Volunteer at animal sanctuaries</h3>



<p>By supporting sanctuaries that rescue and care for farm animals, you can provide direct assistance to animals that have been rescued from cruel conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-welfare-laws">Animal welfare laws</h3>



<p>By encouraging policymakers to implement and enforce stricter regulations for farm animal protection, we can help animals get treated with the dignity they deserve.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

World Farm Animals Day: Taking action for animal welfare

World Farm Animals Day, observed each year on October 2,...

<p>It is widely believed that the moon formed during a collision between Earth and a small planet known as Theia about 4.5 billion years ago. But now, experts are proposing a new theory about the origin of the moon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research suggests that a young Earth may have snatched the moon during a close encounter with a binary system.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similarities-between-earth-and-moon-rocks">Similarities between Earth and moon rocks</h2>



<p>Over the course of six missions to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lunar-anthropocene-how-humans-have-impacted-the-moon/">moon</a> between 1969 and 1972, Apollo astronauts collected over 800 pounds of lunar rock and soil.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Chemical and isotopic analysis of these samples revealed their similarities to Earth’s rock and soil: they were calcium-rich, basaltic, and dated to approximately 60 million years after the solar system formed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-the-planetary-collision-theory-nbsp">Challenging the planetary collision theory&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Based on the Apollo data, planetary scientists who gathered at the 1984 Kona Conference in Hawaii reached a consensus that the moon formed from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-space-exploration-could-be-shut-down-by-orbiting-debris/">debris</a> following a massive collision. This explanation of the moon’s origin has shaped scientific understanding for decades.</p>



<p>However, two researchers from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/">Pennsylvania State University</a> are challenging this long-held narrative.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A study led by Professor Darren Williams and Professor Michael Zugger suggests that the moon was captured during a close encounter between Earth and a pair of rocky bodies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unresolved-questions-about-the-moon-s-origin">Unresolved questions about the moon's origin</h2>



<p>“The Kona Conference set the narrative for 40 years,” Williams said. But certain unresolved questions remain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One of these concerns the moon’s orbit. If the moon had formed from the debris of a planetary collision and coalesced into a ring around Earth, it should orbit directly above the planet’s equator. Instead, the moon’s orbit is not aligned with Earth’s equator but is more in line with the sun.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-did-earth-s-gravity-capture-the-moon">Did Earth's gravity capture the moon?</h2>



<p>In the binary-exchange capture theory proposed by Williams and Zugger, Earth’s gravity separated the two objects in the binary system, capturing the moon while the other object drifted away. The captured moon then settled into the orbit we observe today.</p>



<p>This process isn’t unheard of in the solar system. Williams pointed to Triton, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/three-new-moons-discovered-around-neptune-and-uranus/">Neptune</a>’s largest moon, as evidence of a similar event.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is believed that Triton was pulled into orbit from the Kuiper Belt, where an estimated 10% of objects are binary pairs. Triton’s retrograde orbit (opposite to Neptune’s rotation) and its tilt of 67 degrees from the planet’s equator suggest a capture event.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamics-of-the-moon-s-orbit">Dynamics of the moon's orbit</h2>



<p>Williams and Zugger calculated that Earth could have captured a satellite even larger than the moon - potentially an object the size of Mercury or Mars. However, they suggested that the resulting orbit may not have been stable enough to last.</p>



<p>The researchers explained that the moon’s orbit initially started as an elongated ellipse rather than a circle. Over time, tides on Earth influenced the shape of the orbit, causing it to change.</p>



<p>“Today, the Earth tide is ahead of the moon,” Williams said. “High tide accelerates the orbit. It gives it a pulse, a little bit of boost. Over time, the moon drifts a bit farther away.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-s-elliptical-orbit-became-circular">Moon's elliptical orbit became circular</h2>



<p>However, when the moon was closer to Earth, as it would have been just after capture, the tides had the opposite effect.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Williams and Zugger calculated that this initial elliptical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovered-with-bizarre-cucumber-shaped-orbit/">orbit</a> would have contracted over thousands of years, gradually becoming more circular.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Eventually, the lunar spin locked into the moon’s orbit around Earth, a state that persists today.</p>



<p>At that point, the tidal evolution likely reversed, and the moon began slowly drifting away from Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-pull-from-earth-and-the-sun">Gravitational pull from Earth and the sun</h2>



<p>Each year, Williams explained, the moon moves about three centimeters farther from Earth. Currently, the moon is 239,000 miles away, and at that distance, it feels a strong gravitational pull from both the sun and Earth.</p>



<p>“The moon is now so far away that both the sun and Earth are competing for its attention,” Williams said. “Both are pulling on it.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-s-formation-remains-a-mystery">Moon's formation remains a mystery</h2>



<p>Williams and Zugger’s calculations suggest that a binary-exchange captured satellite could exhibit the same behaviors as Earth’s moon. But Williams acknowledged that this theory is not necessarily the final word.</p>



<p>“No one knows how the moon was formed. For the last four decades, we have had one possibility for how it got there. Now, we have two. This opens a treasure trove of new questions and opportunities for further study,” he concluded.</p>



<p>The research is published in <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ad5a9a"><em>The Planetary Science Journal</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

New theory emerges on how Earth got the Moon

It is widely believed that the moon formed during a...

<p>Every day, we are unknowingly exposed to a multitude of chemicals. Among these are a group of toxic airborne chemicals known as plasticizers.</p>



<p>If you think these are limited to children's toys, beauty products, or even plastic bags, think again. These robust substances are everywhere, from your lunchbox to your shower curtain, and even your garden hose. </p>



<p>Airborne plastic chemicals are as intrusive as they are pervasive. They are silently invading our homes, our bodies, and our environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-plasticizers-are-born-equal">Not all plasticizers are born equal</h2>



<p>David Volz, an esteemed professor of environmental sciences at the University of California, Riverside (<a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCR</a>), has made some shocking discoveries about these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-infiltrating-the-human-body-even-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elusive c</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-infiltrating-the-human-body-even-the-brain/">hemicals</a>. </p>



<p>Until now, much of California's monitoring programs focused on a category of plasticizers termed ortho-phthalates, which were gradually phased out due to health and environmental reasons.</p>



<p>However, less attention was given to their successors - the non-ortho-phthalates. Volz’s research has revealed the omnipresence of both these types, creating a stir in the scientific community.</p>



<p>"Over the last 20 years, the plastics industry has gradually transitioned away from ortho-phthalates towards alternative chemicals due to concerns about the potential environmental and human health risks associated with ortho-phthalate exposure," noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skyrocketing-levels-of-airborne-plastic-chemicals">Skyrocketing levels of airborne plastic chemicals </h2>



<p>This study did more than just scratch the surface; it upturned long-standing beliefs and expectations. Southern California's air was found to be riddled with both categories of plasticizers. </p>



<p>"The levels are through the roof," said Volz, expressing his surprise at the enormity of the problem. Indeed, it seems that it's high time people sit up and take notice of the lurking danger in the very air we breathe.</p>



<p>The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is also doing its part to spotlight this study. They featured Volz’s work in the October issue of their monthly newsletter, Environmental Factor - a clear testament to the significance of these findings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-extent-of-the-problem">Measuring the extent of the problem</h2>



<p>To conduct this study, Volz and his team tracked two groups of UCR undergrad students commuting from different parts of Southern California. </p>



<p>The students wore specially designed silicone wristbands that recorded their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-raises-your-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exposure to chem</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-raises-your-blood-pressure/">icals</a> present in the air. The data yielded from the wristbands painted a disturbing picture of the extent of plasticizer pollution in the environment.</p>



<p>Unlike a previous study where a flame-retardant and carcinogen known as TDCIPP was found concentrated in commuter car seats, the origin of these plasticizers remains elusive. </p>



<p>Being airborne, these toxic substances could have infiltrated the wristbands from virtually anywhere - a testament to how widespread plasticizers have become.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-levels-of-phthalates">Alarming levels of phthalates</h2>



<p>Of the ten plasticizers analyzed from the wristbands, three particular phthalates – DiNP, DEHP, and DEHT – were found at staggeringly high levels. </p>



<p>The first two were included in California's Proposition 65 list, a catalog of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects and other harm to the reproductive system. </p>



<p>DEHT, introduced as a replacement, is relatively new, and its impact on human health remains largely unexplored.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistent-levels-of-airborne-plastic-chemicals">Consistent levels of airborne plastic chemicals </h2>



<p>Regardless of the changes in temperatures, humidity, or geographical location, the teams found similar levels of those chemicals not just in Southern California but also in studies conducted on the East Coast. This underscores a poignant fact: phthalates are not a local issue but a national concern.</p>



<p>“No matter who you are, or where you are, your daily level of exposure to these plasticizer chemicals is high and persistent,” Volz said. “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">They are ubiquitous</a>.”</p>



<p>As plastics degrade, these chemicals leach into the environment, silently sneaking into every corner of our lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-alternatives-to-plasticizers">Seeking alternatives to plasticizers</h2>



<p>This study highlights the urgent need to find <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-plastics-drastically-reduce-microplastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alternatives</a> to plastic. According to Volz, the only way to decrease the concentration of plasticizers in the air is to decrease our production and consumption of materials containing plasticizers. </p>



<p>It is time we break the cycle, not just for our health, but also for the sake of our environment.</p>



<p>The dangers of plasticizers, invisible yet omnipresent, serve as a stark reminder of our collective responsibility to the environment and our health.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935124013707?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research</a>.</em></p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Airborne plastic chemicals have reached shocking levels

Every day, we are unknowingly exposed to a multitude of...

<p>In Medieval Europe and the Middle East, merchants traded in rare and precious commodities, with ivory standing out as one of the most sought-after goods.&nbsp;Surprisingly, much of this ivory came from walruses, rather than elephants.</p>



<p>A new study from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> has revealed that the Vikings were part of a global trading network that supplied walrus ivory to Europe and the Middle East. This network most likely extended to East Asia as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-journeys-in-harsh-conditions">Long journeys in harsh conditions</h2>



<p>The study shows that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vikings-landed-in-the-americas-500-years-before-columbus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vikings</a> regularly traveled approximately 6,000 kilometers to Pikialasorsuaq in Northwest Greenland, an area characterized by harsh climate conditions.</p>



<p>Professor Morten Tange Olsen is a marine mammal biologist and geneticist in the Globe Institute at the University of Copenhagen.</p>



<p>“They probably didn’t do it for the thrill of it, but to obtain this precious commodity, which they brought to Northern Europe and other parts of the world," explained Olsen. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viking-expeditions-revealed-through-dna">Viking expeditions revealed through DNA</h2>



<p>The researchers conducted DNA analyses which revealed that the Vikings covered a greater distance than previously believed in their search for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-walrus-are-at-high-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walruses</a>.</p>



<p>To establish the extent of Viking journeys, the researchers studied fragments of walrus skulls obtained from excavations at Viking villages across Europe and settlements in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-transformation-ice-melt-plant-growth-vegetation-cascading-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland</a> and Canada. </p>



<p>"DNA sequences from these fragments provided us with a genetic map of the place of origin of various Arctic walrus populations at the time of the Vikings," said Olsen. "This enabled us to show in which part of the Arctic the animals were caught.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-well-established-trade-network">Well-established trade network</h2>



<p>The study also revealed that the Vikings had interactions with indigenous Arctic populations, including the Thule and Dorset cultures.</p>



<p>“Our research shows that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vikings-brought-their-horses-and-dogs-to-britain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vikings were extremely well-traveled</a> and had a well-established network that covered a larger area than previously believed and which in time and place must have overlapped with early Greenlandic and Canadian cultures,” noted Olsen.</p>



<p>According to Professor Olsen, the invaluable cross-disciplinary collaboration between archaeologists, biologists, and geneticists is what has significantly contributed to the overall success of this ambitious study. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-ivory-trade-system">Complex ivory trade system</h2>



<p>The new and compelling findings reinforce the notion that the Vikings possessed an impressive ability to expertly navigate and endure in extreme and harsh environmental conditions, demonstrating their remarkable resilience and adaptability as they explored and established trade routes across challenging terrains.</p>



<p>They played a vital role in establishing a global trade network that extended beyond the borders of Europe.</p>



<p>“Now, for the first time ever, we have a clear genetic map of Arctic walrus populations, which tells us where the Norsemen went to obtain the precious commodity, ivory,” said Olsen.</p>



<p>The researchers hope this study will illuminate the Vikings’ complex and extensive exchange system and their interactions with other cultures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-walrus-ivory">The legacy of walrus ivory</h2>



<p>Walrus ivory was not only a highly valuable commodity for the Vikings but also a key and integral element of their rich cultural and economic identity, serving as both a material for crafting essential tools and as a symbol of their resourcefulness and adaptability in a challenging environment.</p>



<p>Its exceptional durability made it an ideal material for expertly crafting a wide variety of tools, intricate art pieces, and elegant decorative items that were highly sought after in bustling markets across Europe and Asia, where artisans and traders recognized its value and versatility.</p>



<p>The demand for walrus ivory surged dramatically during periods when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-understanding-celebrating-and-protecting-earths-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant ivory</a> became increasingly scarce due to significant trade disruptions, such as those experienced during the Crusades, which limited access to traditional sources of ivory and drove merchants to seek alternative and more readily available materials.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vikings-influence-on-global-trade">Vikings' influence on global trade</h2>



<p>The Vikings’ remarkable skill in harvesting ivory from the harsh and unforgiving Arctic environments showcased their exceptional ingenuity and adaptability, highlighting their ability to thrive in extreme conditions while effectively utilizing the natural resources available to them.</p>



<p>Their exchange relationships with indigenous Arctic populations promoted cultural exchanges, demonstrating the Vikings' significant influence on global trade systems.</p>



<p>The study was a collaboration between researchers at the University of Copenhagen, the <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lund</a> in Sweden, and the <a href="https://www.rug.nl/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Groningen</a> in the Netherlands, along with international partners from Greenland, Iceland, and Canada. </p>



<p>The findings are published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq4127" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

The Vikings traveled great distances to hunt walruses for ivory

In Medieval Europe and the Middle East, merchants traded in...

<p>By looking deep into the early universe with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have made an unprecedented discovery: a galaxy, GS-NDG-9422 (9422), that may hold clues about the first stars of the universe. The galaxy exhibits an odd light signature where its gas outshines its stars.</p>



<p>Found approximately one billion years after the Big Bang, this intriguing galaxy could represent a crucial missing link in galactic evolution, potentially bridging the gap between the earliest stars and the well-established galaxies we know today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-to-the-first-stars">Clues to the first stars</h2>



<p>"My first thought in looking at the galaxy’s spectrum was, ‘that’s weird,’ which is exactly what the Webb telescope was designed to reveal: totally new phenomena in the early universe that will help us understand how the cosmic story began,” said lead researcher Alex Cameron of the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.</p>



<p>Cameron reached out to colleague Harley Katz, a theorist, to interpret the strange data. Together with their team, the experts realized that the unusual observations closely matched theoretical models of gas clouds illuminated by extremely hot, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive stars</a>, where the gas shines brighter than the stars themselves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotter-more-massive-stars">Hotter, more massive stars</h2>



<p>"It looks like these stars must be much hotter and more massive than what we see in the local universe, which makes sense because the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early universe</a> was a very different environment,” explained Katz, who is affiliated with both Oxford and <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the University of Chicago</a>.</p>



<p>In our local universe, typical hot, massive stars have temperatures ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 degrees Celsius (70,000 to 90,000 degrees Fahrenheit). </p>



<p>In contrast, the stars in galaxy 9422 appear to reach temperatures above 80,000 degrees Celsius (140,000 degrees Fahrenheit), a striking indication of the galaxy's unique environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-in-midst-of-intense-star-formation">Galaxy in midst of intense star formation </h2>



<p>The research team theorizes that this galaxy is in the midst of an intense phase of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/serpens-nebula-image-reveals-how-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>, producing large numbers of massive, hot stars. </p>



<p>Surrounding the galaxy, a dense cosmic gas cloud is being bombarded with photons of light, causing the gas to glow more brightly than the stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universe-s-first-generation-stars">Universe's first-generation stars</h2>



<p>This unusual phenomenon, where nebular gas outshines stars, is particularly interesting because it was predicted to be characteristic of the universe's first-generation stars, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/looking-back-billions-of-years-to-see-the-first-stars-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Population III</a> stars. </p>



<p>“We know that this galaxy does not have Population III stars, because the Webb data shows too much chemical complexity," explained Katz. </p>



<p>"However, its stars are different than what we are familiar with - the exotic stars in this galaxy could be a guide for understanding how galaxies transitioned from primordial stars to the types of galaxies we already know.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-stages-of-galaxy-development">Early stages of galaxy development </h2>



<p>Currently, galaxy 9422 represents just one example of this intriguing phase of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic evolution</a>, and many questions remain. </p>



<p>Are these conditions typical of galaxies during this period, or are they rare? What more can they tell us about even earlier stages of galaxy development? </p>



<p>Cameron, Katz, and their team are actively seeking more galaxies like 9422 to better understand what occurred in the first billion years after the Big Bang.</p>



<p>“It’s a very exciting time, to be able to use the Webb telescope to explore this time in the universe that was once inaccessible,” said Cameron. “We are just at the beginning of new discoveries and understanding.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galactic-formation-and-evolution">Galactic formation and evolution</h2>



<p>As researchers continue to investigate GS-NDG-9422, they are eager to identify more galaxies from this early cosmic era that could provide additional insights into the formation of the universe's first stars. </p>



<p>Such discoveries are essential for piecing together how these early stars shaped the universe's infancy and influenced the emergence of galaxies.</p>



<p>By studying more galaxies like GS-NDG-9422, astronomers hope to gain a clearer understanding of the transition from the primordial gas clouds of the early universe to the structured galaxies we see today. </p>



<p>These investigations are critical for unraveling the complex processes that drove galactic formation and evolution, while also shedding light on the role of the first stars in shaping cosmic history.</p>



<p>This ongoing research promises to deepen our understanding of the universe's origins and the role early galaxies played in the grand narrative of cosmic evolution.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/534/1/523/7697173?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Eric </a><a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">R</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">alls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

'Odd galaxy' may hold clues to the first stars of the universe

By looking deep into the early universe with NASA’s James...

<p>Canada lynx populations in Interior Alaska experience a “traveling population wave” that affects their reproduction, movement, and survival. </p>



<p>This is the conclusion of a new study from the University of Alaska Fairbanks's Institute of Arctic Biology.</p>



<p>The research sheds light on how these patterns play out and could help wildlife managers make more informed decisions about one of the boreal forest's key predators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lynx-survival-hinges-on-their-prey">Lynx survival hinges on their prey</h2>



<p>A traveling population wave is a biological phenomenon where animal populations rise and fall across a region, like a ripple moving through water. </p>



<p>For Canada lynx in Alaska, this cycle is closely tied to the 10- to 12-year boom-and-bust cycle of their main prey, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monitoring-snowshoe-hares-provide-clues-about-forest-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowshoe hare</a>. </p>



<p>When hare populations increase, lynx numbers follow a year or two later. But when hares experience a population crash, due to limited food resources, the lynx population soon declines as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-the-lynx-population-wave">Following the lynx population wave</h2>



<p>The study, led by biologist Derek Arnold, ran from 2018 to 2022 and followed the lynx population through one such cycle, beginning when hare numbers were at their peak. </p>



<p>The researchers tracked the reproduction, movement, and survival of lynx as the hare population collapsed.</p>



<p>During the study, 143 lynx were live-trapped across five national <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-wildlife-refuges-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife refuges</a> in Interior Alaska-Tetlin, Yukon Flats, Kanuti, Koyukuk, and Gates of the Arctic National Park. </p>



<p>Each lynx was fitted with a GPS collar, allowing satellites to track their movements and providing a wealth of new data.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-stages-of-the-population-wave">Three stages of the population wave</h2>



<p>Arnold noted that the lynx population responded to the declining hare population in three stages, with these changes starting in the east and moving westward - an indication of a traveling population wave:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-decline">Reproduction decline</h3>



<p>At the start of the study, during the peak of the cycle, researchers found dens with up to eight kittens. However, reproduction began to plummet first in the easternmost study areas and eventually ceased entirely across all sites by the end of the study.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-dispersal">Increased dispersal</h3>



<p>As reproduction rates fell, the lynx started to disperse, leaving their territories in search of better conditions. They traveled in all directions, crossing mountains and swimming rivers - behavior that surprised researchers. One lynx even trekked nearly 1,000 miles to reach the Alberta border.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-decline">Survival decline</h3>



<p>Finally, the survival rates of the lynx dropped. While some traveled eastward against the wave, those individuals had much higher mortality rates compared to those that moved westward or remained within their original territories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-cycle-plays-out">How the cycle plays out</h2>



<p>“People like trappers have observed this pattern anecdotally for a long, long time. The data just provides evidence to support it and helps us see the big picture,” Arnold said.</p>



<p>The study also clarifies how this cycle plays out across the landscape. “We've long known that hares and lynx operate on a 10- to 12-year cycle, but we didn't fully understand how it played out across the landscape,” Arnold added.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It wasn't clear if the cycle occurred simultaneously across the state or if it happened in isolated areas at different times. Knowing that the wave usually sweeps from east to west makes lynx population trends more predictable.” </p>



<p>This newfound predictability will help wildlife managers make better decisions by allowing them to anticipate population behavior on a more localized level.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canada-lynx-survival-the-bigger-picture">Canada lynx survival: The bigger picture</h2>



<p>Another significant finding is the importance of maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynx-may-need-a-climate-refuge-to-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">refuge</a> populations. “The lynx that disperse during population declines don't usually survive. Most of them don't make it when they leave their home areas,” Arnold said.</p>



<p>He emphasized the crucial role that refuge areas play in preserving lynx populations during tough times.</p>



<p>“The combination of these factors supports the idea of a hierarchical response to snowshoe hare population declines with a drop in lynx reproduction followed by increased dispersal, and finally reduced survival," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"All of this evidence is consistent with the expected characteristics of a population undergoing a traveling wave and supports the hypothesis that lynx presence may facilitate and mirror the underlying wave patterns in snowshoe hare."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2414052121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>,</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Canada lynx survival linked to life cycle of snowshoe hares

Canada lynx populations in Interior Alaska experience a “traveling population...

<p>Hundreds of industrial facilities housing toxic chemicals found themselves in the path of Hurricane Helene as it swept through the Southeast in late September 2024, flooding communities and bringing widespread devastation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-chemicals-in-the-path-of-helene">Toxic chemicals in the path of Helene</h2>



<p>In coastal areas and further into Georgia, Helene surged over paper mills, fertilizer factories, and oil and gas storage sites.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Paper mills, notorious for their environmental impact, are particularly concerning, with some still containing thousands of pounds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-blame-lead-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead</a> from past practices. </p>



<p>In Florida, officials reported that a retired nuclear power plant near Cedar Key was inundated by a storm surge reaching up to 12 feet, flooding buildings and an industrial wastewater pond.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although spent nuclear fuel stored at the site was believed to be secure, the situation raised alarm, especially considering that the same site had flooded during Hurricane Idalia in 2023.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollutants-quietly-enter-the-waterways">Pollutants quietly enter the waterways</h2>



<p>Further inland, the storm unleashed over a foot of rain across industrial sites in the Carolinas and Tennessee, some of which are situated near waterways that quickly swelled with runoff from the mountains.</p>



<p>In disasters like Helene, the full extent of industrial damage often unfolds over several days, and residents might not even hear about the release of toxic chemicals into water or air until days or weeks later - if they’re informed at all. Unfortunately, pollution releases during such events are all too common.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-chemicals-spread-by-storms">Toxic chemicals spread by storms</h2>



<p>After Hurricane Ian struck Florida’s western coast in 2022, hazardous materials from damaged storage tanks and fertilizer mining facilities spilled across coastal wetlands and into the Gulf of Mexico, even becoming visible from space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2021, Hurricane Ida triggered more than 2,000 reported chemical spills. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, floodwaters surrounded chemical plants near Houston, causing some to catch fire and release massive amounts of pollutants into the air.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Without clear information, emergency responders and residents faced respiratory illnesses and other health risks, often unaware of what chemicals were in the air.</p>



<p>Toxic materials spread by storms like Helene can settle into the environment and pose long-term health risks, often with little to no warning for those living nearby.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazardous-industrial-sites-in-the-path-of-flooding">Hazardous industrial sites in the path of flooding</h2>



<p>A team of environmental sociologists and anthropologists at Rice University has recently mapped hazardous industrial sites across the country and paired them with hurricane impact maps to help communities hold these facilities accountable.</p>



<p>The most obvious risks from industrial facilities are along the U.S. Gulf Coast, where petrochemical complexes - refineries, factories, and storage sites - are clustered near rivers and bays for easy shipping access. </p>



<p>Unfortunately, this also places them in the path of storm surge flooding, which can raise ocean levels by several feet. For example, Helene’s storm surge reached over 10 feet above ground level in Florida’s Big Bend and more than 6 feet high in Tampa Bay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-releases-during-hurricanes">Pollution releases during hurricanes </h2>



<p>A recent <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c10797" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> highlighted that pollution releases during hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico are two to three times more frequent than during normal weather between 2005 and 2020. </p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> releases disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color, exacerbating already significant environmental health risks.</p>



<p>Despite the alarming statistics, hazardous releases often fly under the radar due to limited disclosure requirements and a lack of public information. Even emergency responders might not know exactly what chemicals they’re dealing with in the midst of a crisis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-chemicals-flying-under-the-radar">Toxic chemicals flying under the radar</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) requires major polluters to submit risk management plans, but these plans often only provide general information about on-site chemicals.</p>



<p>Some large-scale fuel storage facilities, like those storing liquefied natural gas, don’t even have to submit this information. </p>



<p>Additionally, while these plans are supposed to outline “worst-case” scenarios, accessing them can be difficult due to redactions and restricted availability.</p>



<p>To make matters worse, many states, especially along the Gulf, suspend pollution restrictions during emergencies. Incident notifications from the National Response Center, which tracks chemical discharges into the environment, are often delayed by a week or more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-awareness-of-chemical-threats">Public awareness of chemical threats</h2>



<p>With climate change fueling more frequent and intense storms, public awareness of these rising chemical threats should be at the forefront of the conversation. </p>



<p>Communities need to understand the risks posed by industrial infrastructure, particularly as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-predicts-global-warmings-impact-on-extreme-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events become more common.</p>



<p>To help communities better understand the risks they face, researchers from Rice University’s <a href="https://cfar.rice.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Coastal Futures and Adaptive Resilience</a> have been investigating how flood-prone industrial areas across the country can better adapt to these threats.</p>



<p>Their interactive map highlights areas with elevated future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flood risks</a> and identifies major polluters based on the EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flood-prone-polluters-nationwide">Flood-prone polluters nationwide </h2>



<p>There are several hotspots nationwide where flood-prone polluters pose significant risks. Houston’s Ship Channel, Chicago’s waterfront steel industries, and the harbors at Los Angeles and New York/New Jersey are among the largest. </p>



<p>However, as Helene demonstrated, smaller and less obvious areas can also be at risk from industrial chemical pollution. Inland regions, particularly in the mountains, can experience sudden, rapid runoff that turns calm rivers into raging torrents. </p>



<p>For instance, during Helene, the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina, rose about 12 feet in just 12 hours, setting a new flood stage record.</p>



<p>When hurricanes or tropical storms approach the U.S., the experts’ maps highlight where major polluters are located within the storm’s projected path. These maps pinpoint hazardous facilities down to the exact address, helping communities stay informed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communities-must-take-action-to-be-prepared">Communities must take action to be prepared </h2>



<p>However, identifying these sites is just the first step. Often, it’s up to the affected communities - many of which are already overburdened by environmental hazards and historically underserved - to raise concerns and push for action. </p>



<p>These discussions need to happen long before disaster strikes. By understanding where risks are concentrated, communities can take steps to advocate for safer infrastructure and better preparedness.</p>



<p>In the face of a changing climate, with more extreme storms on the horizon, knowledge is power. Knowing the risks and being prepared can help communities protect themselves and build a more resilient future.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Storms like Helene release toxic chemicals from industrial facilities

Hundreds of industrial facilities housing toxic chemicals found themselves in...

<p>More than 200 viruses can infect humans, and most of us will encounter several of them throughout our lives. But how do these infections influence our immune system’s ability to respond to other viruses? </p>



<p>Does encountering one virus weaken or strengthen our defenses against another? Or does it have an entirely different effect? These questions were the focus of a new study by scientists at Rockefeller University.</p>



<p>The research was conducted in the <a href="https://lab.rockefeller.edu/rice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease</a> led by Charles M. Rice, and Weill Cornell Medicine’s <a href="https://pathology.weill.cornell.edu/research/research-labs/laboratory-epigenetics-and-immunity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory of Epigenetics and Immunit</a> led by Steven Z. Josefowicz.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-system-and-prior-infections-nbsp">Immune system and prior Infections&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study reveals fascinating insights about how our immune system adapts to prior infections.</p>



<p>By studying mice that were first infected with SARS-CoV-2 and then exposed to the influenza A virus, the researchers made a surprising discovery: recovering from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-colds-boost-childrens-immunity-against-severe-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID</a> had a protective effect against the severe outcomes of the flu.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This memory response, however, came from an unexpected part of the immune system - macrophages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-cells-develop-a-memory">Immune cells develop a memory</h2>



<p>The researchers found that epigenetic changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-treatment-could-be-transformed-by-shape-shifting-macrophages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">macrophages</a> - innate immune cells known for their early response to threats - had developed a form of “memory” following the initial COVID infection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This allowed the macrophages to mount a stronger defense against the flu virus, even though it's unrelated to the COVID virus. Immunological memory was long thought to be a trait exclusive to adaptive immune cells like T cells. </p>



<p>However, this study challenges that notion by showing that macrophages can “remember” and defend against future threats. Intriguingly, this memory wasn’t tied to any one specific virus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-memory-following-covid-infection-nbsp">Immune memory following COVID infection&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Immune memory is critical to fending off recurring diseases caused by pathogen," said study first author Alexander Lercher, a postdoctoral fellow in Rice’s lab. </p>



<p>"What’s exciting about our study is that we’ve discovered a broadly effective antiviral immune memory in macrophages following SARS-CoV-2 infection that can reduce disease caused by a completely different virus.” </p>



<p>“A more detailed understanding of these mechanisms could aid development of new therapeutic strategies that cover a range of respiratory viruses.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-implications-of-the-research-nbsp">Exciting implications of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Josefowicz said it was exciting to delve into the epigenetic mechanisms encoding this general antiviral memory.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The implications are profound. If we can walk around with months-long bolstered immunity after a season’s worth of respiratory infections, what are the implications for seasonal trends in these infections?” said Josefowicz.</p>



<p>“How much human variance - genetic and epigenetic - exists in these pathways?”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innate-immune-memory-responses">Innate immune memory responses</h2>



<p>When a virus invades the body, cytokines signal innate immune cells, like macrophages, to respond quickly and attack.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This initial response is followed by a more tailored defense from adaptive immune cells, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-cells-could-be-used-to-slow-down-or-even-reverse-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T cells</a>, which recognize specific virus antigens and store that memory for future infections.</p>



<p>But recent studies, including this one, show that innate immune responses can also develop memory.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, people who received the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine - originally designed to protect against tuberculosis - demonstrated innate immune memory responses that lasted for months, offering protection against unrelated infections.</p>



<p>However, how this broad immune memory forms has remained a mystery.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-and-flu-infections">COVID and flu infections</h2>



<p>In 2020, Lercher began investigating this phenomenon using two widely circulating viruses: SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A, the latter of which has troubled humanity since the 1918 pandemic.</p>



<p>Lercher and his colleagues focused their research on the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on the respiratory system, particularly cells in the lungs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found that alveolar macrophages, located in the airways, had undergone an epigenetic reprogramming after infection. The chromatin around antiviral genes became more accessible, which essentially primed these genes for quick activation in future infections.</p>



<p>This discovery wasn’t limited to mice. When the team analyzed blood samples from people who had recovered from mild COVID, they found similar epigenetic changes in monocytes - the precursors to macrophages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlled-inflammatory-responses-after-covid">Controlled inflammatory responses after COVID</h2>



<p>The result of this epigenetic shift? These immune cells could “remember” past infections, enabling them to respond more effectively to future viral invasions.</p>



<p>Thanks to this new immune memory, the macrophages in the lungs of COVID-recovered mice were better equipped to fight off influenza A.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Compared to mice without previous COVID infections, these mice exhibited fewer symptoms, such as less weight loss and more controlled inflammatory responses. Their mortality rates were also lower.</p>



<p>“The fact that viral RNA alone seems to be able to trigger memory in macrophages lays the foundation of this memory being antigen independent,” Lercher explained. “They’re recognizing a pattern that is shared by many viruses, unlike a virus-specific antigen.”</p>



<p>The team confirmed this by exposing the mice to a synthetic mimic of an RNA virus and observing similar memory responses.</p>



<p>Interestingly, when battling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cattle-may-become-a-permanent-host-for-bird-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flu</a>, these memory-primed macrophages outperformed adaptive T cells. “The macrophages are really the ones driving this response,” Lercher said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milder-flu-symptoms-after-covid-infection-nbsp">Milder flu symptoms after COVID infection&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To test just how robust this memory was, the team extracted macrophages from COVID-recovered mice and transferred them into naive mice. They then exposed these mice to influenza A. </p>



<p>Sure enough, the recipient mice showed milder flu symptoms than mice that received naive macrophages.</p>



<p>“The naive mice with the implanted recovered macrophages fared better against influenza than mice implanted with naive macrophages,” Lercher reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-protection-against-viruses">Future protection against viruses</h2>



<p>Looking forward, the researchers hope to pinpoint the key factors responsible for this innate immune memory.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In an ideal world, we would find one or a few factors that lead to this memory formation in macrophages and other innate cells, and then exploit it to develop therapies that offer broad protection against many viruses,” said Rice.</p>



<p>This approach could be especially valuable during future pandemics. If there were a new emerging pathogen on the horizon, noted Lercher, it would be nice to have a therapy that boosted your general antiviral immunity for the next month or so.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“That’s still very far away, and a lot more research needs to be done, but I think it could be possible one day,” Lercher concluded.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p></p>

COVID infection equips the body to fight off the flu

More than 200 viruses can infect humans, and most of...

<p>With the impacts of climate change growing increasingly tangible, one aspect that might see a significant transformation is winter weather.</p>



<p>A new study indicates that global warming has caused a shift in America's weather patterns that will lead to a future of wetter winters.</p>



<p>This is the conclusion of an in-depth study from the <a href="https://www.uic.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Chicago</a>. A team of researchers led by Akintomide Akinsanola used climate models to explore potential changes in U.S. winter precipitation by the end of the 21st century.</p>



<p>The focus was not only on overall winter precipitation but also on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a>, and the results were quite revealing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wetter-winters-will-become-common">Wetter winters will become common</h2>



<p>It turns out that not only can we expect more abundant winter precipitation, but also a surge in extreme weather events across the country. </p>



<p>In addition, there will be an increased occurrence of "very wet" winters - the kind that ranked in the top 5% of U.S. historical winter precipitation totals.</p>



<p>By century's end, these once uncommon winters may occur as often as once every four years in some parts of the U.S. </p>



<p>There will also be a shift from snow to rain in many regions, leading to implications for agriculture, water resources, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seeking-ways-to-prevent-flooding-caused-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a>, and other environmentally sensitive areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-unpredictable">Predicting the unpredictable</h2>



<p>While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer</a> and other seasons have uncertain precipitation projections, winter precipitation will be robustly intensified in the future, racing well beyond what historical data has shown us. </p>



<p>The research was focused on 19 Earth system models across the seven U.S. subregions identified in the National Climate Assessment Report.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wetter-winters-by-region">Wetter winters by region </h2>



<p>Across the entire United States, the study showed an increase in average winter precipitation of two to five percent per degree of warming by the end of the 21st century.</p>



<p>In terms of absolute change, the Northwest and Northeast U.S. will see the largest increases. Six out of the seven regions will also experience a higher frequency of extremely wet winters, with the Northeast and Midwest witnessing the sharpest increases.</p>



<p>The Southern Great Plains, made up of states like Texas and Oklahoma, is the only region where projected changes are very small and highly uncertain. </p>



<p>In this part of the country, more frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heat-and-drought-extremes-are-now-occurring-simultaneously/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme dry events</a> will balance or outweigh the increase in extreme wet events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-winters-and-climate-change">Extreme winters and climate change</h2>



<p>The findings highlight that changes in winter precipitation will have a significant nationwide impact.</p>



<p>The form of precipitation will likely change in multiple areas too; previous research projects that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeling-the-heat-rising-temperatures-push-the-limits-of-the-human-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising temperatures</a> will cause more precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow, leading to diminished snow depth. </p>



<p>This simultaneous decrease in snow and increase in rain will undoubtedly stress existing systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-a-changing-climate">Adapting to a changing climate</h2>



<p>Infrastructure will need to undergo updates or upgrades, as we're not only dealing with the mean precipitation but also an increase in severe weather conditions.</p>



<p>Buildings and drainage systems will need improvements to manage potential floods and storm damage.</p>



<p>Coming to grips with our changing climate isn't just about mitigation, but also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-climate-adaptation-lacks-coordination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation</a>. As we move forward, it's critical that we consider these predicted shifts and adjust accordingly - both on an individual and community level.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-flood-risks">Winter flood risks </h2>



<p>As wetter winters become more frequent, the threat of winter flooding will rise - particularly in areas with aging infrastructure.</p>



<p>With more precipitation falling as rain instead of snow, regions accustomed to snowpack will face faster runoff and potential flood hazards. </p>



<p>Local governments and communities will need to prioritize flood mitigation strategies, from improving drainage systems to reinforcing levees. </p>



<p>Failure to prepare could result in widespread damage to homes, businesses, and ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-in-a-changing-climate">Wildlife in a changing climate</h2>



<p>The shift from snow to rain will also affect wildlife that depends on snowy conditions. Species such as snowshoe hares, lynxes, and certain bird populations may struggle to adapt to the changing landscape.</p>



<p>As winters become wetter and milder, these animals could see significant habitat disruption, pushing some species toward migration or even endangerment. </p>



<p>Conservation efforts will need to evolve to account for the new challenges posed by changing winter environments.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41612-024-00761-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Climate and Atmospheric Science</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Winters are set to become much wetter in the United States

With the impacts of climate change growing increasingly tangible, one...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air"><strong>Invisible threat in urban air</strong></h2>



<p>City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge"><strong>Disturbing connections emerge</strong></h2>



<p>Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters"><strong>Timing matters</strong></h2>



<p>The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns"><strong>Genetic vulnerability patterns</strong></h2>



<p>Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications"><strong>Public health implications</strong></h2>



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.</p>



<p>As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



<p>Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



<p>The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



<p>At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.</p>



<p>"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-astrobiology">Implications for astrobiology</h2>



<p>The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<p>—–</p>

Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



<p>Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-discovery">The discovery</h2>



<p>Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.</p>



<p>Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



<p>The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.</p>



<p>Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a></em>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



<p>Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



<p>The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-monitoring-networks">Scientific monitoring networks</h2>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.</p>



<p>The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



<p>This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.</p>



<p>The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.</p>



<p>The full study was recently published in <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-agent-training-transforms-the-workplace-fear-factor-into-a-competitive-advantage">AI agent training transforms the workplace 'fear factor' into a competitive advantage</h2>



<p>Organizations that offer comprehensive artificial intelligence training to their workers find remarkable value that extends well beyond basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity improvements</a>. Emerging research demonstrates that carefully crafted AI training programs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance</a> corporate performance, lower operational costs, and dramatically improve employee psychological well-being by turning workplace uncertainty into professional empowerment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-widespread-ai-anxiety-crisis-among-us">Addressing the widespread 'AI anxiety' crisis among us</h2>



<p>A staggering 53% of employees expressed concern that the use of AI tools to automate work tasks could make them appear disposable to their employers, according to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>'s 2024 workplace survey. Such pervasive worry about being substituted by machines has caused what researchers have termed "AI technostress" – a psychological state that can result in occupational burnout and poorer mental well-being.</p>



<p>Data published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a> showed that belief in AI learning ability was a moderator in the link between technology adoption and work pressure, and higher confidence significantly lowered negative psychological responses. Workers provided ample training to become competent with AI software have significantly lower stress.</p>



<p>Companies like <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a> have platforms for building what are known as "AI Agents".  In essence, AI Agents are simply tools that employees can build for themselves or their teams quickly and inexpensively.   MindStudio will even train entire companies, from the CEO on down, at no cost. By letting MindStudio empower employees, companies avoid hiring more IT staff, buying more software, and implementing solutions to problems that do not exist.</p>



<p>MindStudio even has partners locally for companies, like <a href="http://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dominnus</a> with offices in the Carolinas, California, and Denver, to help build AI Agents and support employees as they become resident AI experts for their organization.  The training provided by MindStudio is applicable across other AI Agent building platforms as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-productivity-through-focused-learning">Revolutionary productivity through focused learning</h2>



<p>Organizations that implement large-scale AI training programs achieve dramatic outcomes. Employees performed tasks significantly better when they utilized AI support compared to when they didn't, according to <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nielsen Norman Group</a> research findings. Their study documented productivity increases of 66% for a variety of professional tasks.</p>



<p>Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis research finds workers record 33% higher productivity in time working with generative AI tools. The benefit is equivalent to 5.4% of work time savings for AI users – around 2.2 hours per week for full-time workers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-well-being-benefits-through-ai-competence">Psychological well-being benefits through AI competence</h2>



<p>The emotional transformation when employees are provided with proper technology training is a fundamental transformation from fear to professional confidence. A survey of 600 employees across industries, carried out by ScienceDirect, proved that AI capabilities strengthen work environment commitment and improve job satisfaction.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://www.lut.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUT University</a> study discovered that AI adoption has no direct effect on workers' well-being but does so indirectly through working conditions like task optimization and safety protocols. Strategically deployed AI that involves correct training can actually increase workplace mental well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-replacement-anxiety-to-partnership-confidence">From 'replacement anxiety' to 'partnership confidence'</h2>



<p>Although 35% of those interviewed in recent McKinsey studies were concerned about workforce displacement, firms with large-scale training initiatives witness such fears dissipate quickly. The World Economic Forum found that two out of three respondents believe AI competencies will enhance their career prospects and job marketability.</p>



<p>This shift from fear to trust has measurable implications for job satisfaction. Applied Sciences research indicates AI can create tailored wellness programs based on individual employee requirements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-benefits-of-increased-retention">Financial benefits of increased retention</h2>



<p>The mental health advantages of AI learning have a direct impact on organizational bottom lines in the form of a positive feedback cycle with high retention of employees. Recent ROI research validates that artificial intelligence learning has a beneficial impact on employee turnover and satisfaction levels.</p>



<p>PriceWaterhouseCoopers' research documents 20% to 30% improvements in productivity, market speed, and revenue in organizations that attempt systematic AI adoption through comprehensive training.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-advantages-of-ai-enabled-teams">Environmental advantages of AI-enabled teams</h2>



<p>AI training has unforeseen environmental benefits as it makes the work environment more efficient. According to a study in Scientific Reports, the carbon footprint in writing and illustrating work is significantly lower when AI performs it compared to humans. AI software produces 130 to 1,500 times less CO2 equivalent per page of text created than human authors.</p>



<p>In addition, AI-driven remote work functionality significantly reduces environmental impact. Research by Cornell University and Microsoft indicates that remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54% by not commuting daily to offices. Hybrid workers working remotely two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-organizational-advantages">Cumulative organizational advantages</h2>



<p>The compounding gains of better mental well-being, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and environmental benefits flow to enterprises from the pairing. McKinsey analysis estimates the long-term AI potential at $4.4 trillion in incremental productivity growth opportunity from business use cases.</p>



<p>As of now, 75% of knowledge workers globally utilize generative AI, mirroring widespread adoption patterns. Organizations that provide organized training and assistance see the most favorable results in productivity, worker satisfaction, and ecological sustainability.</p>



<p>The research overwhelmingly indicates that companies that invest in proper AI education, like that offered through <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a>, establish win-win scenarios where employees are both more empowered and less stressed, and companies enjoy the gains of increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved mental health outcomes throughout their workforce.</p>



<p>For more on MindStudio's free AI training for companies, visit the website's of MindStudio and Dominnus from the links below.</p>



<p>The research was published across a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a>, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence</a>, and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci">Applied Sciences</a>.</p>



<p id="block-9bd989d6-2fd3-4580-957f-6cacce134f08">-----</p>



<p id="block-eff5dea3-a9bb-40b5-a923-e5a9978bc0e2">Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p id="block-43e218f4-0391-477c-8396-eb777c8c80a3">Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p id="block-1f9a227a-ec37-4140-81b8-ffa4a7cc6689">-----</p>



<p>MindStudio.AI: <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.mindstudio.ai</a></p>



<p>Dominnus: <a href="https://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.dominnus.com</a></p>

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-solution-to-disease-through-crop-modification">A natural solution to disease through crop modification.</h2>



<p>The agricultural industry stands at a crossroads between productivity and environmental responsibility, and crop modification often carries a negative connotation. While chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for crop protection, their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health have prompted scientists to seek alternatives. The recent breakthrough by <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> researchers offers a promising path forward through the precise manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-microbial-partnerships">The science behind microbial partnerships</h2>



<p>Plants naturally harbor diverse ecosystems of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that function as biological allies. These microscopic partners contribute to disease resistance, nutrient absorption, and stress tolerance. However, until now, scientists lacked the tools to deliberately reshape these communities to enhance crop protection.</p>



<p>The Southampton team's approach centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modifying lignin biosynthesis genes in rice plants</a>. This strategic intervention altered the plant's metabolic output, creating conditions that favored beneficial bacterial populations while suppressing harmful ones. The result was a living defense system embedded within the plant itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-global-food-security">Implications for global food security</h2>



<p>The successful demonstration against Xanthomonas oryzae, the pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in rice, represents more than a laboratory achievement. Rice feeds nearly half the world's population, and bacterial blight causes devastating crop losses annually. Traditional control methods rely heavily on pesticides that contaminate soil and water systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-disease-resistance">Looking Beyond Disease Resistance</h2>



<p>While disease protection represents the immediate application, the research framework opens doors to broader agricultural improvements. Future developments could engineer microbiomes to enhance nutrient uptake, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



<p>As this technology advances from laboratory to field applications, it promises to reshape sustainable agriculture. The ability to program plants with their own biological defense systems could herald a new era where crops protect themselves naturally, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining yields necessary for global food security.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVywlgRJXsc
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some children read facial expressions when making food choices.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-people-s-reactions-influence-children-s-eating-habits">Other people's reactions influence children's eating habits</h2>



<p>Many children are finicky eaters, but research explains how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-learned-why-so-many-kids-dislike-vegetables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watching others eat and social modeling</a> influence the eating habits of children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Study Methodology Demonstrates Social Learning Impact</h2>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.aston.ac.uk/hls/school-of-psychology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston University School of Psychology</a> have published findings in Frontiers in Psychology that illuminate the neurobiological foundations of food preference development through observational learning. The investigation employed controlled video stimuli featuring adults consuming raw broccoli while displaying systematically varied facial expressions to measure participant responses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Asymmetrical Response Patterns Identified</h2>



<p>The research, conducted with 204 female participants, revealed a pronounced asymmetry in social modeling effects. Negative facial expressions during vegetable consumption significantly diminished observer food preference ratings, while positive expressions failed to produce corresponding increases in vegetable appeal. This finding challenges conventional assumptions about the bidirectional nature of social influence in dietary behavior formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evolutionary Psychology Framework Applied</h2>



<p>Dr. Katie Edwards and her research team propose that these results reflect adaptive mechanisms developed through evolutionary processes. The heightened sensitivity to disgust expressions likely functions as a protective system, enabling individuals to identify potentially harmful foods through social cues without direct risk exposure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clinical and Educational Implications</h2>



<p>These findings carry substantial implications for pediatric nutrition interventions and family meal dynamics. The research suggests that parental expressions of distaste during vegetable consumption may inadvertently reinforce children's existing food aversions through unconscious social transmission pathways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future Research Directions</h2>



<p>The study establishes a foundation for expanded investigation into real-time social modeling effects and cross-demographic applicability. Researchers emphasize the necessity for longitudinal studies examining actual consumption behaviors rather than preference ratings alone, particularly within family contexts where social learning occurs most frequently.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVywlgRJXsc Some children read facial expressions when making food choices....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-causing-protein-bound-and-blocked">Cancer-causing protein bound and blocked</h2>



<p>In a discovery that can one day revolutionize cancer treatment, researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> have successfully developed a means of controlling MYC, a notoriously slippery protein that causes approximately <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chaotic-protein-that-fuels-75-of-cancers-can-be-controlled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">75% of all cancers in humans</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-myc-different">What makes MYC different</h2>



<p>MYC presents a unique challenge when studying cancer. Normally, this protein plays a vital role in healthy cells. It carefully controls transcription - the process that converts genetic information from DNA and RNA into proteins.</p>



<p>However, cancer changes everything. In cancer cells, MYC becomes a destructive force. It operates in overdrive mode with no regulation whatsoever.</p>



<p>Professor Min Xue, who led the research team, explains it simply: "MYC is less like food for cancer cells and more like a steroid. It drives cancer's aggressive growth." This superactive behavior makes MYC involved in three out of every four cancer cases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-myc-is-hard-to-target">Why MYC is hard to target</h2>



<p>Despite its clear role in cancer, targeting MYC has been one of medicine's biggest challenges. The main problem lies in MYC's unusual structure - or rather, its complete lack of structure.</p>



<p>Professor Xue describes the protein as "basically a glob of randomness." This means conventional drug discovery methods don't work. These traditional approaches rely on sharply defined protein structures. MYC simply doesn't have one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Approach to Fighting MYC</h2>



<p>The UCR research team developed a clever solution. They designed a special peptide molecule that could selectively bind to MYC. More importantly, this peptide could block MYC's destructive activity.</p>



<p>The key was fine-tuning two specific features: the peptide's stiffness and its shape. Through careful adjustments, researchers achieved something remarkable. They reached "sub-micro-molar affinity" - meaning their peptide binds as strongly as antibodies do.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-results">Breakthrough results</h2>



<p>This accomplishment represents a major leap beyond previous attempts. The researchers enhanced their peptide's binding strength by two orders of magnitude. This dramatic improvement brings the work significantly closer to practical drug development goals.</p>



<p>The research opens new possibilities for treating the vast majority of cancers where MYC plays a destructive role.</p>



<p>The researchers are presently optimizing peptide-delivery systems based on lipid nanoparticles that deliver the peptide effectively into cancer cells. The<a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> National Institutes of Health</a> and the <a href="https://www.defense.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Defense</a> funded the study, which appeared in the Journal of the <a href="https://www.acs.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Chemical Society</a>.<br>This research offers renewed hope against cancer, and it can potentially open a door to more effective cancer therapies for most cancer patients worldwide.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

The protein that fuels 3 out of 4 cancers has been controlled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



<p>On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.</p>



<p>This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.</p>



<p>Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.</p>



<p>The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators.  Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas.  These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.</p>



<p>Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



<p>Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.</p>



<p>Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



<p>385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.</p>



<p>The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.</p>



<p>Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



<p>The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."</p>



<p>This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.</p>



<p>Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet <em>Archaeopteris</em>: the first modern tree</h2>



<p>The star of this ancient forest is <em>Archaeopteris</em> – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur <em>Archaeopteryx</em>. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.</p>



<p>William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.</p>



<p>Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



<p>These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.</p>



<p>This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.</p>



<p>All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h2>



<p>Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.</p>



<p>Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."</p>



<p>The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



<p>In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.</p>



<p>Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



<p>Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.</p>



<p>Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.</p>



<p>These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.</p>



<p>The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-map-exact-ages-when-your-body-rapidly-ages">Scientists Map Exact Ages When Your Body Rapidly Ages</h2>



<p>Scientists have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-two-very-precise-ages/#google_vignette">discovered that aging</a> isn't the gradual, steady process many assume it to be. Instead, researchers from Stanford Medicine have found that our bodies undergo dramatic molecular changes at two specific ages: 44 and 60. This research, published in Nature Aging, reveals that aging happens in sudden bursts rather than smooth transitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-waves-of-rapid-aging">Two waves of rapid aging</h2>



<p>The Stanford study tracked over 135,000 different molecules and microbes in 108 participants aged 25 to 75 over several years. Results showed that 81% of all molecules studied exhibited non-linear changes, meaning they shifted dramatically at certain ages rather than changing gradually over time.</p>



<p>Michael Snyder, chair of genetics at Stanford School of Medicine and the study's senior author, noted significant findings. "We're not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes. It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that's true no matter what class of molecules you look at."</p>



<p>The first wave of changes occurs around age 44, affecting molecules related to alcohol metabolism, caffeine processing, lipid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-related-changes-in-metabolism-dont-match-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, and skin and muscle function. The second wave hits around age 60, involving changes in carbohydrate metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, and again cardiovascular and muscle health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-during-these-aging-bursts">What happens during these aging bursts</h2>



<p>During the mid-40s transformation, researchers observed significant changes in how the body processes alcohol and fats. This period often coincides with increased stress levels in many people's lives, potentially contributing to lifestyle factors that accelerate these molecular shifts.</p>



<p>"It's possible some of these changes could be tied to lifestyle or behavioral factors that cluster at these age groups, rather than being driven by biological factors," Snyder explained. For instance, alcohol metabolism dysfunction might result from increased consumption during the typically stressful mid-40s period.</p>



<p>The changes at age 60 are perhaps less surprising, as this is when many age-related diseases begin to manifest more prominently. The molecular shifts affect immune function and kidney health, both critical for maintaining overall wellness as we enter our senior years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-latest-research-confirms-aging-patterns">Latest research confirms aging patterns</h2>



<p>Recent 2025 studies have validated these findings. Research examining tissue samples from 76 people found similar aging patterns, noting an "inflection point" between ages 45 and 55.</p>



<p>Scientists discovered that blood vessels, particularly the aorta, age fastest among all body tissues. This vascular aging may drive aging in other body parts, highlighting cardiovascular health's central role in the aging process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cellular-changes-and-microbiome-shifts">Cellular changes and microbiome shifts</h2>



<p>The Stanford research revealed that these aging bursts affect our microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in and on our bodies. These microbial communities undergo substantial shifts during both aging periods, potentially affecting everything from digestion to immune function.</p>



<p>Additionally, researchers found that protein production and gene expression begin to fall out of sync as we age. This breakdown in cellular communication becomes especially pronounced during the two aging waves, contributing to the accumulation of damaged proteins associated with diseases such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-brain-disorder-important-data-was-fabricated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-and-longevity-considerations">Health implications and longevity considerations</h2>



<p>Understanding these aging patterns has important implications for healthcare strategies. Research suggests that people should pay particular attention to their health during their 40s and 60s, when these dramatic molecular changes occur.</p>



<p>Snyder emphasized the importance of proactive health measures. "I'm a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we're still healthy," he noted. This might include increasing exercise to protect heart health and maintain muscle mass, or reducing alcohol consumption in the 40s as the body's ability to metabolize it declines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approaches-to-anti-aging-treatment">New approaches to anti-aging treatment</h2>



<p>Aging research has seen notable advances in 2025. Harvard Medical School scientists developed chemical cocktails that reverse cellular aging without genetic modification. These six combinations restored aged cells to youthfulness in under a week, offering safer alternatives to gene therapy.</p>



<p>Researchers identified new biomarkers like "InflammAge," a saliva-based test measuring chronic inflammation associated with aging. This non-invasive approach could change how we monitor aging and intervention.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions-in-aging-research">Future directions in aging research</h2>



<p>Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cellular reprogramming, and senolytic therapies, are opening new possibilities for extending healthspan. Companies develop treatments targeting aging's fundamental mechanisms rather than just managing age-related diseases.</p>



<p>The Stanford findings provide a roadmap for implementing preventive measures. Rather than waiting for symptoms, people can prepare for and potentially mitigate these predictable aging waves.</p>



<p>As aging understanding evolves, one thing becomes clear: aging isn't inevitable decline, but specific biological events we may learn to prevent or reverse. The key is recognizing when these transitions occur and taking proactive health steps during vulnerable periods.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/nataging" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Aging</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Scientists discover we age in bursts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hidden science behind tickling.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-discover-the-brain-s-tickling-command-center">Scientists discover the brain's 'tickling command center'</h2>



<p>Researchers have finally solved one of humanity's most enduring mysteries: why we can't <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/after-centuries-of-debate-we-still-dont-know-how-tickling-works/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickle</a> ourselves and what makes some people incredibly ticklish while others barely react? Recent scientific discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of this peculiar human behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-discovery-in-the-brain">Breakthrough discovery in the brain</h2>



<p>In 2023, Dr. Michael Brecht's team at <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University</a>-<a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berlin</a> made a major discovery published in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(22)01991-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal <em>Neuron</em></a>. They identified the brain's actual "tickling command center" – specific neurons in a region called the periaqueductal gray that control both tickling responses and play behavior.</p>



<p>When researchers used cutting-edge optogenetic technology to shut down these neurons in laboratory rats, something remarkable happened. The animals completely lost their ability to be tickled or engage in playful behavior.</p>



<p>"We found that global blockade of the rat periaqueductal gray with either muscimol or lidocaine interfered with ticklishness and play," the research team reported in their study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-types-of-tickling-revealed">Two types of tickling revealed</h2>



<p>What we call "tickling" is two completely different phenomena, according to the latest research. Light tickling – that feathery sensation that makes you want to scratch – is essentially your body's sophisticated bug detection system. This alerts you to potential insects or parasites on your skin.</p>



<p>Deep tickling – the kind that makes you laugh uncontrollably – involves complex brain circuits and is fundamentally social. You literally cannot tickle yourself with this type of stimulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-self-tickling-is-impossible">Why self-tickling is impossible</h2>



<p>Your cerebellum acts like a prediction machine, recent findings show. When you move your own hand to touch yourself, your brain generates precise predictions about what you will feel and then cancels out the tickling sensation through neural inhibition.</p>



<p>When someone else tickles you, your brain can't predict their movements, so the full tickling response activates. It's like your brain's way of distinguishing between self and others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-explained">Individual differences explained</h2>



<p>Individual differences in ticklishness depend on genetics, psychology, and even trust. Dr. Xinzhong Dong at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> notes that people with denser nerve endings tend to be more sensitive.</p>



<p>Psychological factors matter just as much. You respond more strongly when tickled by people you trust, and anxiety completely shuts down tickling responses. This explains why the same physical stimulus can produce completely different reactions depending on who's doing the tickling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-your-ticklishness">Controlling your ticklishness</h2>



<p>Science offers answers for controlling your ticklishness. You can reduce tickling sensitivity through systematic desensitization – gradual exposure in controlled settings.</p>



<p>Dr. Konstantina Kilteni's 2025 research, published in <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt0350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>, reveals another technique: place your hand on the tickler's hand. This allows your brain to partially predict the sensations, reducing the tickling response by up to 90 percent.</p>



<p>"Your brain is essentially learning to override its own reflexes," Kilteni explained in her review of tickling research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-purpose-discovered">Evolutionary purpose discovered</h2>



<p>From an evolutionary perspective, tickling serves vital functions according to <a href="https://www.umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> researcher Dr. Robert Provine's extensive studies. It trains our defense reflexes for vulnerable body areas and facilitates social bonding between family members.</p>



<p>Tickling-induced laughter is actually one of the first forms of communication between infants and caregivers. "Tickle involves a neurological self/nonself discrimination, providing the most primitive social scenario," Provine noted in his research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-applications-emerge">Clinical applications emerge</h2>



<p>Research shows people with autism spectrum disorder perceive touches as more ticklish than people without the condition. Investigating this difference could provide insight into brain differences and help advance autism research.</p>



<p>People with schizophrenia tend to experience self-touches similarly to external tickles, allowing them to essentially tickle themselves. This suggests altered sensory prediction mechanisms in the condition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-research-reveals-universal-nature">Animal research reveals universal nature</h2>



<p>Scientists have discovered that many species beyond humans are ticklish. Rats emit ultrasonic "laughs" when tickled, while chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans all respond to tickling stimulation.</p>



<p>This widespread occurrence across species suggests that tickling serves fundamental biological and social functions that evolved long before humans developed complex language and culture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



<p>Dr. Kilteni argues that tickling research deserves more scientific attention. "It is a complex interplay of motor, social, neurological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects," she stated in her recent review.</p>



<p>New haptic technologies and advanced research methodologies now permit scientists to investigate tickle sensation with unprecedented precision. Standardized experimental methods using mechanical tickling devices ensure consistent results across studies.</p>



<p>Recent findings published in <em>Science Advances</em> show that tickling research is opening new doors in neuroscience, potentially leading to a better understanding of social behavior, sensory processing, and neurological conditions.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4 The hidden science behind tickling. Scientists discover the brain's...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals secret mission to create working time travel device.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-an-equation-truly-bend-time-a-physicist-s-decades-long-quest-to-rewrite-reality">Could an equation truly bend time? A physicist's decades-long quest to rewrite reality</h2>



<p>Imagine the impossible: stepping back through time in a time machine, not in fantasy, but through a scientific endeavor driven by profound personal loss. For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Ronald Mallett</a>, a distinguished astrophysicist and professor emeritus at the <a href="https://uconn.edu/">University of Connecticut</a>, this deeply human longing has fueled a lifelong mission. He claims to have discovered the equation that could unlock temporal displacement, pushing boundaries once deemed purely science fiction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-profound-grief-that-forged-a-vision">A profound grief that forged a vision</h2>



<p>Mallett's extraordinary pursuit began with devastating tragedy in 1955. At merely 10 years old, he endured his father Boyd's sudden death—a television repairman whose passion for science had ignited a similar spark in his young son. Boyd Mallett, only 33, succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a grief-stricken child searching for solace.</p>



<p>That solace came through H.G. Wells' <em>The Time Machine</em>. Within its pages, Mallett found a captivating concept: "Time is only a kind of Space." These words transformed from a literary phrase into a guiding principle, becoming the driving force behind his unwavering commitment to unraveling time's fundamental mysteries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-humble-beginnings-to-academic-heights">From humble beginnings to academic heights</h2>



<p>Mallett's journey was far from straightforward. After serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era, he utilized the GI Bill for higher education, earning his Ph.D. in physics from Pennsylvania State University in 1973 at the age of 28.</p>



<p>In 1975, he made history as the first African American professor in the University of Connecticut's physics department, achieving full professorship in 1987 before retiring in 2024 as professor emeritus.</p>



<p>Throughout these successful academic years, Mallett harbored his radical ambition as a closely guarded secret. "I kept my time travel goal a secret," he confessed. "I worried people would think I was nuts." His public research centered on black holes, serving as a "cover story" while he quietly developed his revolutionary time travel theory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-breakthrough-moment">The breakthrough moment</h2>



<p>His pivotal insight arrived while hospitalized for a heart condition—a profound irony given his father's heart attack started this journey. The breakthrough was elegantly simple yet revolutionary: "If gravity can bend time, and light can create gravity, then light can bend time."</p>



<p>"It turns out that black holes can create a gravitational field that could lead to the creation of time loops that could allow us to go back in time," he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-blueprint-for-a-temporal-vortex">The blueprint for a temporal vortex</h2>



<p>Mallett's vision for a functioning time machine replicates spacetime-warping phenomena around black holes. He offers a compelling analogy: "Picture a cup of coffee. Stir it with a spoon, and the coffee swirls. A spinning black hole does the same to spacetime."</p>



<p>In Einstein's general relativity, the universe is a dynamic fabric woven from space and time. Massive objects like black holes warp this fabric—an effect we perceive as gravity. Mallett theorizes that an intense, continuous, circulating beam of light from a ring of powerful lasers could replicate this gravitational torsion, effectively twisting time into a loop.</p>



<p>This "time loop" would theoretically allow information—or perhaps matter—to travel backward in time. He detailed this mathematical concept in his 2006 autobiography, <em>Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-published-research-and-recognition">Published research and recognition</h2>



<p>His work, published in respected journals including <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/physics-letters-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics Letters A</a></em> and <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/journal/10701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foundations of Physics</a></em>, suggests circulating laser light could generate gravitational fields potent enough to create closed timelike curves, enabling time travel for data.</p>



<p>Mallett's research has gained worldwide media attention, featured on <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Public Radio's <em>This American Life</em></a>, the <a href="https://www.history.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">History Channel</a>, and <a href="https://www.today.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBC's <em>Today Show</em></a>. The widespread interest reflects both his compelling personal story and rigorous scientific approach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-galactic-hurdles-and-persistent-skepticism">The galactic hurdles and persistent skepticism</h2>



<p>While Mallett's equations captivate imagination, the path to reality faces immense obstacles. The energy requirement is staggering—Mallett acknowledges needing "galactic amounts of energy," far beyond current technological capabilities.</p>



<p>There's also a poignant limitation: even if realized, his machine could only send information back to when it was first activated, meaning it couldn't transport him to 1955 to prevent his father's death.</p>



<p>The scientific community remains skeptical. Physicists Ken Olum and Allen Everett argue that Mallett's proposed laser ring would need to be larger than the observable universe to achieve the necessary spacetime distortion. They invoke Stephen Hawking's chronology protection conjecture, suggesting physics may prevent macroscopic time travel.</p>



<p>Astrophysicist Paul Sutter has voiced doubts about Mallett's underlying mathematics, while science writer Brian Clegg finds the concept intriguing enough to warrant experimental investigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-that-transcends-time">A legacy that transcends time</h2>



<p>Now approaching 80, Dr. Mallett remains steadfast. "I believe my work will show time travel is possible," he asserts. "Future generations will build on it in ways we can't yet imagine."</p>



<p>His equations, though yet to physically bend time, have bent our collective imagination. Ongoing public interest, evidenced by his continued media appearances and Spike Lee's film adaptation of his memoir, underscores his ideas' profound impact.</p>



<p>More than a scientific pursuit, Mallett's story testifies to human resilience, intellectual courage, and hope's enduring power. Whether his theoretical time machine ever materializes, his legacy is immeasurable—inspiring countless individuals to challenge conventional limits and perceive time not as an unyielding barrier, but as a boundless frontier awaiting exploration.</p>



<p></p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



<p>Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?</p>



<p>The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What was acid rain?</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The science behind it</strong></h2>



<p>Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.</p>



<p>While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The crisis at its peak</strong></h2>



<p>During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Environmental devastation</strong></h2>



<p>The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.</p>



<p>By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.</p>



<p>Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic impact</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The solution: government action and technology</strong></h2>



<p>Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Clean Air Act of 1990</strong></h2>



<p>The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cap-and-trade success</strong></h2>



<p>Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.</p>



<p>The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Technology advances</strong></h2>



<p>Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.</p>



<p>The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today"><strong>Why we don't hear about it today</strong></h2>



<p>Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Success doesn't make news</strong></h2>



<p>There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mission accomplished</strong></h2>



<p>The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone"><strong>Is it really gone?</strong></h2>



<p>The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.</p>



<p>EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What this teaches us</strong></h2>



<p>The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.</p>



<p>Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.</p>



<p>This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.</p>



<p>Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.</p>



<p><strong>3. What made the solution successful?</strong> Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.</p>



<p><strong>4. Do other countries have acid rain problems?</strong> Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.</p>



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a></p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

<p>Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.</p>



<p>"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.</p>



<p>"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.</p>



<p>"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."</p>



<p>"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way